If you are on the downside of your career, and no longer a star, start packing your bags when your contract runs out. The Bears announced Wednesday that they were parting ways with Urlacher, an icon of their franchise, and a fixture at linebacker for 13 years.

Urlacher was understandably stung, telling the Chicago Tribune that he felt disrespected during contract negotiations. In radio interviews, he said the Bears offered him a one-year, $2 million contract—take it or leave it.

"It wasn’t even an offer, it was an ultimatum," Urlacher told The Tribune. "I feel like I’m a decent football player still. It was insulting, somewhat of a slap in the face."

Urlacher tried to make nice later, saying, "There are no hard feelings between me and the Bears organization." But there were obviously hard feelings.

If veterans around the league have yet to wake up now, they never will. With so many teams feeling salary cap restraints, young players in their prime are having trouble getting new deals. As for older players on the downside of their career, forget about it.

Look at some of the veteran free agents still available: John Abraham, Dwight Freeney, James Harrison, Richard Seymour, Osi Umenyiora, Charles Woodson. Not even contending teams are stretching their budgets to sign any of them.

Ed Reed, who reportedly agreed to a contract with the Texans on Wednesday night, got his own wake-up call during free agency. According to multiple reports, Reed is signing a two-year deal for less money than he made last year, but the Ravens were not willing to outbid the Texans to keep him.

Reed is a future Hall of Famer who just helped the Ravens win a Super Bowl. Nearly at the end of his career, Reed had love for the Ravens but no leverage during negotiations.

How Ray Lewis ended his career with the Ravens is going to be seen less-and-less. It is harder than ever to play an entire career with one team, no matter how good you are, especially for non-quarterbacks.

It would be one thing if the Bears fell apart last season. But they were 10-6. If things do not go well this upcoming season, do not expect fans to have a ton of patience.

Urlacher does not want to retire and even left the door open for a possible return to the Bears if they can work out a contract later this offseason. However, that door appears closed. The Bears are moving on. Urlacher has been moved out.

Younger players take heed. Save your money. Take care of your bodies. Because you will probably be asked to leave before you are ready.